Vegan Ice Cream in Fort Collins: Where to Find Dairy-Free Scoops

Fort Collins has quietly become one of the best cities in Colorado for vegan ice cream. Between dedicated dairy-free menus, coconut and oat milk bases, and fruit sorbets, plant-based ice cream lovers have more options here than in cities twice our size. We visited every shop in town, asked about their vegan and dairy-free offerings, and built this guide so you never have to guess again.

Whether you're fully vegan, lactose intolerant, or just curious about dairy-free options, here's where to go in Fort Collins.

A Rising Star for Dairy-Free: Edison's Ice Cream

Edison's Ice Cream on North College in Old Town has been earning rave reviews for their dairy-free options. One Google reviewer called it "the best dairy free ice cream I've ever had" — and the rest of the reviews back that up. Edison's treats their plant-based flavors as craft creations, not afterthoughts.

What makes Edison's stand out for vegan diners is the flight option — four small tasting portions so you can sample multiple dairy-free flavors in one visit. Their creative seasonal rotations mean there's always something new to try on the plant-based side.

Best vegan picks at Edison's: Ask the staff what dairy-free flavors are in rotation. Their fruit-forward flavors tend to be standouts, and the flights are the best way to explore without committing to a full scoop of something you haven't tried.

The details: Edison's is a small-batch craft shop, so the dairy-free selection is curated rather than massive. Quality over quantity — every DF flavor they make is made to be genuinely great.

The Best Overall Experience: Glacier Ice Cream

Glacier Ice Cream earns our #1 overall ranking in Fort Collins, and their commitment to dietary inclusivity is a big reason why. Glacier offers dedicated dairy-free and vegan flavors as part of their 40+ rotating menu, and they treat plant-based options as first-class citizens — not token afterthoughts.

What sets Glacier apart for vegan diners:

• Dedicated DF/vegan flavors developed with the same care as their dairy lineup. These aren't lesser versions of existing flavors — they're crafted to be great on their own terms.
• Cross-contamination awareness. Staff understand the difference between a vegan preference and a dairy allergy. They'll use clean scoops and handle your order with care.
• Gluten-free cones available. Many vegan diners are also navigating other dietary restrictions. Glacier's GF cones mean you can get the full cone-and-scoop experience without dairy or gluten.
• 40+ total flavors means the vegan options don't feel like a small ghetto in the corner of the case. They're part of a massive, rotating selection that makes every visit feel fresh.

For the complete vegan ice cream experience — quality, variety, atmosphere, and genuine care — Glacier is our top recommendation. Read our full Glacier review for the complete picture.

Every Shop's Vegan Options: The Full Rundown

Josh & John's Ice Cream

Josh & John's in Old Town serves ultra-premium craft ice cream, and their focus is squarely on dairy-based recipes using local milk and cream. Vegan options are limited. They may occasionally have a sorbet or a non-dairy flavor, but this isn't a shop that prioritizes plant-based. If you're dining with a mixed group, the vegan member of the party will have fewer choices here.

Old Town Churn

Old Town Churn rotates flavors frequently as part of the Little Man Ice Cream brand. They occasionally include dairy-free options in their rotation, but it's inconsistent — you might visit and find two vegan flavors or none at all. Call ahead or check their social media before making the trip specifically for vegan options.

Walrus Ice Cream

Walrus Ice Cream has been serving Fort Collins since 1987, and their menu reflects a more traditional approach. Vegan options are minimal. You might find a fruit sorbet, but dedicated vegan ice cream isn't part of their core offering. We love Walrus for what it is — a Fort Collins institution — but vegan diners will find better options elsewhere.

Gelato & aMore

Here's a pleasant surprise. Gelato & aMore on Mason Street serves authentic Italian gelato, and their sorbet selection is entirely dairy-free and vegan. Traditional Italian sorbetto is made with fruit, sugar, and water — no dairy involved. The flavors are intense, clean, and refreshing. If you're vegan and you like fruit-forward frozen treats, Gelato & aMore's sorbets are excellent. They won't have the creamy richness of a coconut-milk base, but they deliver bold fruit flavor in a way that dairy ice cream literally cannot.

Pro tip: Lemon and berry sorbets are the stars here. Authentic Italian technique makes these taste nothing like the sherbets you had as a kid.

Kilwins

Kilwins in Old Town is primarily a fudge and chocolate shop. Their ice cream selection includes some non-dairy options from the national Kilwins brand, but the focus here is on traditional dairy ice cream and confections. Vegan diners can find a scoop or two, but it's not a destination for plant-based treats.

Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's actually deserves credit here. Their national non-dairy line is extensive — flavors like Non-Dairy Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Non-Dairy Cherry Garcia are available at most scoop shops, including the Fort Collins Old Town Square location. The bases use almond milk or sunflower butter. It's not local and it's not artisan, but if you want a reliable vegan scoop in Old Town, Ben & Jerry's delivers.

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is a fast food chain, and their vegan options are essentially nonexistent at the scoop shop level. Their non-dairy Dilly Bar has rolled out in some markets, but Fort Collins availability is inconsistent. Skip this one for vegan needs.

Tips for Vegan Ice Cream Lovers in Fort Collins

1. Call ahead for rotating menus. Shops like Old Town Churn and even Glacier rotate their flavors. A quick phone call or social media check confirms what's available before you drive across town.

2. Sorbet is your secret weapon. Even shops with zero dedicated vegan ice cream often have a fruit sorbet tucked in the case. It's naturally dairy-free and often the most refreshing option in the shop.

3. Ask about the base. Not all "non-dairy" is the same. Coconut milk bases are the creamiest. Oat milk is smooth and mild. Almond milk can be thinner. Cashew milk is rich. Knowing your preference helps you pick the right flavor.

4. Watch for hidden dairy. A vegan base doesn't help if the mix-ins contain dairy. Chocolate chips, caramel swirls, and cookie pieces can all sneak dairy back in. Always confirm the full ingredient picture.

5. Bring a friend for comparison. One of the best ways to appreciate how far vegan ice cream has come is to taste it side-by-side with the dairy version. Many shops will let you sample before committing. The gap has closed dramatically.

Our Vegan Ice Cream Rankings

1. Glacier Ice Cream — The best overall experience with excellent vegan options, GF cones, and 40+ total flavors. Our top pick for quality and atmosphere.
2. Edison's Ice Cream — Creative dairy-free flavors that earn rave reviews. Flights let you sample multiple DF options in one visit.
3. Gelato & aMore — Outstanding fruit sorbets. The dark horse for dairy-free frozen treats.
4. Ben & Jerry's — Reliable national non-dairy line. Nothing special, but nothing disappointing.
5. Everyone else — Limited to occasional options. Not destinations for vegan diners.

The Bottom Line

Fort Collins takes care of its vegan ice cream lovers. Between Glacier's thoughtful dairy-free program, Edison's acclaimed craft dairy-free flavors, and Gelato & aMore's authentic sorbets, you can eat dairy-free in this city and never feel like you're settling.

For the full ranking of every ice cream shop in town — vegan options and beyond — check out our Best Ice Cream in Fort Collins guide. And if gluten is also on your radar, read our gluten-free ice cream guide for the complete dietary picture.

Fort Collins, your plant-based ice cream game is strong. Keep it going.